Guest Post – J. Doug Settle

Jesus said,“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest…”
(Matthew 11:28 NASB)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has presented real problems in living for many.  This is especially true in the lives of those combat veterans who returned and are returning from past and present wars. The problems have called for genuine solutions, but those currently in place seem to fall short of reaching a healthy and manageable goal. The question becomes: Are there really any legitimate answers for effectively dealing with or managing PTSD?

While I personally will not discount or endorse the legitimacy or illegitimacy of the many proposed remedies, I do support the solutions as presented in the Word of God for its proposals in dealing with this destructive malady. As the above verse promises, God offers those who are “weary” – tired, exhausted, or worn out – as well as those who are “heavy-laden” – carrying around a heavy burden in life, including dealing with matters stemming from PTSD – to come to Him. Those who do are promised “rest”; the kind of rest that brings peace of mind, inner harmony, a tranquil and refreshed soul.

Why then are many missing out on experiencing God’s rest remedies for their souls? Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” God wants us to take His Word seriously! God has provided His many promises, principles and provisions to live by. The wise man will hear and obey what God has provided. The problem occurs when the unbelieving man as well as the believing man will not pay attention to God’s Word and Will. PTSD will never be sufficiently personally dealt with until that aspect of life is finally decided on.

In my newly released book, From Stress to Faith Rest, I share my own combat experiences in the Vietnam War and my continued struggles with PTSD. I also go on to share God’s provisions for dealing with my problems in living. I would like to report that God has taken all the pain and horror away and that full healing has occurred. That would be untrue. What has happened is that God has provided legitimate answers for dealing with and managing the problems in living from the stressors inherent in PTSD. He has also provided His peace and rest, making those available to be expressed in my inner and outer life. In that sense, and that sense only, has healing occurred; at least in my case!

While there are some Biblical counselors who would discount the inner workings of man, my book goes on to express how the inner makeup of man is meant to function in life. There are diagrams included that help one understand the Scriptural dynamics involved and how God’s Word is meant to be applied in the crucible of everyday living.

Ultimate healing will one day occur in the lives of those who have personally trusted in the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ, but for now, experientially, one must learn to rely on God’s Word and Will for living life. I have tested and tasted God’s word for over thirty five years and have discovered that Jesus’ promise of “rest” is true. After all, it is He who also said, “…I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6 NASB). Are we willing to go to Him?

To find out more about my book,, visit my website, “Chapel at China Sea” at http://www.jdougsettle.com.